Released 01/01/2018
Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have an exciting opportunity to apply to participate in the Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange which will take place in Canberra’s sister city Wellington (Pōneke) later this year. The exchange offers a unique platform for artists to connect, collaborate and share their cultures fostering deeper cultural ties between the two cities.
The Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange program is open to artists across all art forms and at all stages of their career. The selected artist will be welcomed in Wellington for a four-week exchange with introductions made to community leaders, artists, arts organisations and cultural institutions facilitated by Wellington City Council.
The exchange program provides an opportunity for research and development without expectations of outputs such as production of new work or an exhibition. It will enable the artist to build new international networks, engage with Māori culture, the Pōneke arts sector and the wider community. The successful artist will be housed at Te Whare Hēra, a partnership between Massey University and Wellington City Council that supports artists to research, develop and produce their work.
A Mana Whenua artist from the Wellington region can also nominate to come to Canberra to undertake an exchange at the same time. The artist will be hosted by a local arts organisation receiving funding or with connection to the ACT Government. This will include use of relevant facilities and access to studio space. The arts organisation selected will be tailored to the artform of the Wellington artist.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson says the program provides important opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to develop their practice and cultural networks.
“The ACT Government is committed to building stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The international residency provides a unique opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in a new arts community, market and culture.
“I encourage local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists to apply for the Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange. The experience will allow them to articulate their practice within a global context and build knowledge, networks and partnerships that support future Indigenous international arts activity.
“I’m looking forward to announcing the successful Canberra artist who will be travelling to Wellington and, in turn, to welcoming our guest artist from Wellington later this year.”
Applications will be assessed by a selection panel comprising artsACT, members of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Network, members of Wellington City Council’s Indigenous Arts Advisory Group and Wellington City Council.
Expressions of interest close on 9 May 2025. For more information visit the artsACT website.
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Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases